Drug Court Failure Can Lead to More Severe Sentence

Those facing drug charges or other charges with underlying addiction issues who have no history of violent crimes can avail themselves of drug court probation in lieu of prison. Many take this option in order to avoid prison but fail to realize it means they have to actually stay clean for the entire probationary term which is typically 5 years. Because drug court is an option as long as there is no violent criminal history, those facing extended terms for second degree charges such as possession with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school zone or 500 feet of a public park, public housing or other public place are still eligible for drug court. What those entering drug court need to know is that failing out of the program by violating the terms of drug court probation like failure to appear, using, not maintaining employment or not participating in programs required following a drug evaluation subjects them to re-sentencing on the original charges. When considering a plea including drug court probation, it is always critical for the defendant to closely review and consider any alternate sentence which the prosecutor includes in the event the defendant is not successful in drug court. Often, taking a plea including prison rather than drug court can result in completing a shorter term in prison that that which will be faced in the event the defendant fails the drug court program. If you are facing criminal charges and think you may be eligible for drug court probation you should immediately obtain an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. For more information on protecting your rights if charged with possession of CDS, theft, burglary, assault, domestic violence or other crimes in NJ visit HeatherDarlingLawyer.com. This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of an attorney.

Waiver of Juveniles to Adult Court is Now Subject to Higher Level of Scrutiny in NJ

Prosecutors showing probable cause that a juvenile committed certain enumerated violent and drug related offenses may waive juvenile offenders over 16 from the jurisdiction of the family court to adult criminal court. Previously the standard of review was "patent and gross abuse of discretion" when the prosecutor's decision to waive the juvenile into adult criminal court was challenged. On September 12, 2012, the New Jersey Supreme Court decided, in State in the Interest of V.A., changed the standard of review to the much lower standard of "abuse of discretion." The justices opinion indicated the lower standard was preferable due to the substantially enhanced punishment faced by juveniles tried in adult criminal court. In this case, the juveniles were charged with conduct amounting to first-degree robbery, second-degree aggravated assault and conspiracy. The justices, in consideration of the serious penalties for the offenses, offered guidelines governing the waiver of juveniles into adult criminal court including the nature of the offense, the need for deterrence, the possible sentence the juvenile will receive at trial and the juvenile's prior record. Juvenile matters are extremely sensitive in nature as they may result in a criminal record which destroys the hope of certain educational and employment opportunities for the remainder of the juvenile's life. If your son or daughter is facing criminal charges, you should consult an experienced criminal law attorney immediately in order to protect your rights. For more information on juvenile criminal matters including municipal court matters in New Jersey visit HeatherDarlingLawyer.com. This blog is for informational purposes only and in no way intended to replace the advice of an attorney regarding your specific matter.

Domestic Violence Charges Not A Right To Counsel in NJ

The NJ Appellate Division recently held, in D.N. v. K.M./K.M. v. D.N, that neither plaintiffs nor defendants in a domestic violence matter who cannot afford counsel are entitled to the representation of counsel at the expense of the state. The Appellate Division rendered this ruling even though one significant consequence of domestic violence is the immediate loss of weapons with the potential of permanent loss of weapons and the inability to purchase, possess or carry weapons in the future in the event of a guilty finding. In spite of legislation and a lean toward the removal of guns from the hands of the people, the right to keep and bear arms remains a constitutional right at this time. The Appellate Division offered the reasoning that, unlike other criminal actions, domestic violence is a matter of the victim against the defendant rather than the full force of the state of New Jersey against the defendant. The court further reasoned that domestic violence laws are curative in nature and designed to stop further acts of domestic violence. However, before the court can make a finding of domestic violence, it must find that an offense such as harassment, stalking or assault occurred. If you are facing domestic violence charges, you should consult an experienced criminal law attorney immediately in order to protect your rights. For more information on assault, harassment, stalking, terroristic threats, child custody, domestic violence, parenting time/visitation, dissolution of a civil union, marriage or domestic partnership, alimony, palimony or other family and criminal law matters in New Jersey visit HeatherDarlingLawyer.com. This blog is for informational purposes only and in no way intended to replace the advice of an attorney regarding your specific matter.

When Juveniles May Be Tried As Adults in NJ

Most NJ juvenile matters are under the jurisdiction of the Family Court. Upon satisfaction of the probable cause standard, prosecutors can obtain waiver of juveniles 14 or older to adult court if the juveniles commit certain enumerated crimes. In the case of juveniles ages 16 and 17, there is no right to present evidence of a reasonable prospect of rehabilitation outweighing the reasons supporting waiver to an adult trial. In a recent case in which juveniles seeking revenge were charged with murder, aggravated assault, conspiracy and attempted murder were fighting transfer from the Family Part to adult court, probable cause under the waiver statute was re-affirmed by the court as "a well-grounded suspicion or belief that the juvenile committed the alleged crime. " The court further held that if the state presents evidence, with reasonable inferences, that leads to a well-grounded suspicion that the juvenile committed one of the enumerated crimes then the probable cause for waiver standard is satisfied and the juvenile's matter may be transferred to an adult trial. Juvenile matters are extremely sensitive in nature as they may result in a criminal record which destroys the hope of certain educational and employment opportunities for the remainder of the juvenile's life. If your son or daughter is facing criminal charges, you should consult an experienced criminal law attorney immediately in order to protect your rights. For more information on juvenile criminal matters including municipal court matters in New Jersey visit HeatherDarlingLawyer.com. This blog is for informational purposes only and in no way intended to replace the advice of an attorney regarding your specific matter.

NJ Rape Shield Law Protects Content of Messages To And From A Child In A Criminal Trial

A defendant accused of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child may introduce, at trial, evidence of the child's participation in communications constituting "sexual conduct." Lack of opportunity to introduce the fact that communications existed could deprive a defendant of their right to defend against the State's charges and evidence needed for a fair trial must be admitted as long as the value of the proofs are not outweighed by their prejudicial effect. The fact that a child previously participated in the exchange of text messages and internet communications with adult males while the child also pretended to be an adult may be introduced as evidence by the defendant. However, the specific content of the messages is protected under the New Jersey Rape Shield Law (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-7) based on the notion that any probative value of the content of the messages is substantially outweighed by the prejudice the messages would cause. The goal of the court in making this determination is to serve the interests of justice while protecting the privacy of the victim. The NJ Rape Shield Law is not limited to the protection of children but was amended in 1988 to include children under its protection. The law is intended to limit the introduction of the victim's prior sexual behavior to both protect the victim's privacy as well as prevent prejudice in the minds of the jury regarding the victim and any potential to have been a willing participant in the defendant's conduct. This blog is for informational purposes only and in no way intended to replace the advice of an attorney regarding your specific matter. If you are accused of a sex crime, you should consult an experienced criminal law attorney immediately in order to protect your rights. For more information on sex offenses or other criminal law matters in New Jersey visit HeatherDarlingLawyer.com.